The Castle of Otranto · Chapter
Chapter III explained
Manfred, shaken by supernatural portents, reluctantly spares Theodore at Jerome's plea but then imprisons him as a hostage.
What happens
Manfred, shaken by supernatural portents, reluctantly spares Theodore at Jerome's plea but then imprisons him as a hostage. A herald from the Knight of the Gigantic Sabre challenges Manfred, demanding the return of Isabella and the principality of Otranto for Frederic, Marquis of Vicenza. Manfred, seeking to negotiate, invites the knight to the castle. Meanwhile, Jerome, torn between his son's safety and his duty, searches for Isabella, who has fled. In the forest, Theodore mistakenly wounds Frederic, who reveals himself as Isabella's father before being taken to the castle.
Themes in this chapter
Usurpation and Legitimacy
The herald openly calls Manfred an usurper, challenging his title to Otranto and demanding the return of Isabella to her rightful father, Frederic.
Supernatural and Divine Justice
The shaking plumes and trumpet sounds are interpreted as divine portents, and Jerome warns Manfred that heaven is displeased with his mockery.
Ambition and Tyranny
Manfred's ambition drives him to imprison Theodore and plot to marry Isabella despite her father's claim; his tyrannical nature is evident in his treatment of Jerome and the herald.
Characters to notice
- Manfred
Manfred's heart misgives him at the portents; he spares Theodore but later imprisons him; he receives the herald's challenge and invites the knight to the castle.
- Jerome
Jerome pleads for Theodore's life, is granted it, but then is ordered to retrieve Isabella; he is torn between his son's safety and his duty.
- Theodore
Theodore is pardoned by Manfred but then taken as a hostage to the black tower; later he wounds Frederic in the forest and vows to protect Isabella.
- Isabella
Isabella flees the convent; she is found by Theodore and learns that the wounded knight is her father, Frederic.
- Frederic
Frederic, the Knight of the Gigantic Sabre, is wounded by Theodore and reveals himself as Isabella's father before being taken to the castle.
- Hippolita
Hippolita is reported dead by a monk, but Jerome insists she is well; her fate remains uncertain.
Key passages
“Manfred’s heart misgave him when he beheld the plumage on the miraculous casque shaken in concert with the sounding of the brazen trumpet.”
Manfred felt a sudden dread as he saw the feathers on the enchanted helmet move in time with the loud trumpet blast.
Manfred's fear at the supernatural portent is emphasized.
“I come to thee, Manfred, usurper of the principality of Otranto, from the renowned and invincible knight, the Knight of the Gigantic Sabre: in the name of his Lord, Frederic, Marquis of Vicenza, he demands the Lady Isabella...”
The herald declares that he comes on behalf of the Knight of the Gigantic Sabre, who represents Frederic, to demand the return of Isabella and the throne of Otranto.
The formal challenge against Manfred's rule is delivered.
“Then thou—then thou—seest—thy father. Give me one—”
The wounded knight struggles to tell Isabella that he is her father, Frederic, and asks for a final embrace.
Frederic reveals his identity to Isabella just before losing consciousness.